About this role
Job summary
We are seeking proactive, dynamic, and positive individuals to join our newly developed roles within the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit. These posts focus on optimising the delivery of a wide range of therapeutic activities designed to improve the independence and confidence of stroke patients, supporting them in their recovery and preparation for discharge back into the community.
The role encompasses activities across all areas of rehabilitation, including physical therapy, cardiovascular conditioning, occupational tasks undertaken in environments such as the kitchen and bathroom, personal care, and supporting patients' communication and social interaction skills. Group therapy sessions and the delivery of prescribed exercise programmes will form a significant part of the role.
Working closely with registered therapists, you will support patients whose rehabilitation needs require additional assistance. Alongside these clinical responsibilities, you will also contribute to a range of non-clinical duties, including record keeping, stock management, maintaining and organising treatment areas, and supporting clinical audit activities.
The stroke pathway in Plymouth is currently undergoing an exciting period of transformation, with innovative developments and new ways of working being introduced. We are committed to becoming an exemplar stroke service, and successful candidates will be expected to demonstrate and uphold our Trust Values in all aspects of their work.
Main duties of the job
As the Regional Devon and Cornwall Stroke Service, Plymouth is at the forefront of stroke care. These new roles will play a key part in delivering our vision of a first-class stroke service, characterised by excellent interdisciplinary collaboration and the best possible outcomes for our patients.
The scope of the role includes tasks associated with Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy and Speech and Language therapy. Tasks will include assisting patients with activities to improve cardiovascular function, physical strength and mobility, supporting patients with occupational tasks such as those in the kitchen and bathroom, and working with patients to develop their ability to communicate and interact with people effectively. Group therapy and delivery of prescribed exercise plans will form a significant component of this role. It will also entail working together with the registered therapists where patient's needs necessitate more assistance with their therapy. to increase their ,
About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Job description Job responsibilities
Job Purpose:
This post provides support to the Registered therapists in a range of clinical and non-clinical tasks as part of the therapy service on the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit.
6 days a week (Mon-Sat) service currently operates as well as Bank holiday working, but the post holder may be required to deliver within a 7 days service at some point in the future as the service needs.
Although the post is primarily situated at the Stroke rehab unit, it may at times be required to work at other parts of the stroke rehab pathway depending on service needs.
Clinical
Under the guidance of the therapists, work with groups and individual patients using a range of treatments, to help achieve the individual patients rehabilitation goals. Review patients response to treatment and report to the registered therapist as necessary. Use an extensive range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients/carers; to motivate, gain co-operation and to progress rehabilitation and treatment programs. Provide relevant advice, teaching and instruction to patients, relatives, carers and other professionals, within the scope of practice. 5. Promote and encourage patients independence and restoration of function.
Support all therapists in completing home treatments and assessments. Liaise with the multidisciplinary team and other agencies involved in the patients care as appropriate. Attend multi-disciplinary team meetings or patient progress meetings as the therapy representative, when delegated by the therapist. Keep clear, accurate and timely patient records using standardized electronic formats. Gain valid informed consent, which must be documented and work within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment. Comply with local confidentiality policies, child protection and vulnerable adult procedures. Participate in working parties in developing changes in the therapy team or the stroke unit inter-disciplinary team. To undertake any clerical duties as necessary. This may include maintaining stock levels, registration of patients, reception duties, filing, dealing with telephone calls, cleaning. Order equipment in line with community equipment store policy and service guidelines. Contribute to the evaluation process through knowledge and use of outcome measures. Adhere to infection control guidelines and maintain a clean and tidy workplace including weekly cleaning of the therapy gym. Organisational 1. To complete all trust mandated education sessions within the set time frames, and any appropriate in-service training arranged by the senior staff and therapy Manager.
2.To abide by the HCPC codes of conduct.
3. To be aware of and comply with Trust and Departmental policies and procedures.
4. To be aware of the Health and Safety aspects of your work and abide by policies including the prompt recording and documentation of incidents and accidents.
5. Participate in the staff appraisal scheme as an appraisee and be responsible for complying with your agreed personal development programmes to meet set knowledge and competencies.
6. To undertake as directed any mandated data collection for use in service audit and business intelligence monitoring and modelling.
7. Be responsible for your own safe and competent use of and teaching of family members and family when using equipment for patients function and therapy. This should be through teaching, training, and direct supervision of practice from clinical supervisor and responsibility to highlight gaps in own knowledge so appropriate measures can be implemented.
Physical Effort: 1. Moderate to intense physical effort daily. Tasks include:
2. Static postures (kneeling/standing)
3. Moving inert adult limbs
4. Supporting patients whilst walking
5. Assisting patients during transfers
6. Pushing wheelchairs
7. Using hoists and other heavy gym equipment on a daily basis
8. Regular moving/adjustment of patients ward or gym environment to maximise their independence and safety
9. Working in tighter spaces, whilst ensuring your own and patients safety
Mental effort: 1. Frequently working with patients with complex cognitive, psychological and/or communication difficulties.
2. Ensuring good communications with patients who have impaired understanding or communication difficulties.
3. Daily requirement for multi-tasking or switching between tasks e.g. writing notes, supporting different members of the team, communicating with team, telephone calls etc.
***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***
Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience Essential
Demonstrable Experience as a Therapy Assistance or similar role Demonstrable Experience of working with people To have the ability to effectively communicate with patients To have an understanding of a wide variety of medical conditions To have demonstrable experience of working in an MDT
Desirable
Demonstrable Experience of working in a therapy department Demonstrable Experience of working with stroke or neurology Demonstrable Experience in carrying out home visits Proven Knowledge of rehab interventions
Qualifications Essential
GCSEs Grade A-C/4-9 in Maths and English or Functional Skills level 2 in Maths and English NVQ level 3 in health and social care of equivalent or equivalent knowledge acquired through experience Up to date CPD
Desirable
Completion of STARS Stroke assistance competencies Attendance on relevant training Qualification in healthcare of related subject
Aptitude and abilities Essential
Good communication skills with a a range of abilities and personalities Effective time management Ability to reflect on and receive feedback on own practice Ability to carry out moderate to intensive effort throughout the day.
Desirable
Teaching experience
Disposition/Attitude/Motivation Essential
To be able to work without supervision To demonstrate effective problem solving skills To have a co-operative nature Able to cope under pressure Respects and values the contribution of all team members
Desirable
To have an interest in lifelong learning
Other factors Essential
A basic level of physical fitness Able to work weekends and bank holidays
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Address Mount Gould Hospital
200 Mount Gould Road
Plymouth
PL4 7QD
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)